Salt Spring Literacy Society, in collaboration with ONE TO ONE, hosted a Come Read with Me workshop on a sunny Wednesday afternoon in mid-November. This was the first workshop of its kind hosted on the island.
The event was hosted by Salt Spring islander, educator and the literacy society’s children’s programming lead, Keiko Taylor, and was facilitated by Zahida Jaffer, ONE TO ONE program coordinator and educator in her own right. They were eagerly joined by students (and their families) from two classes at Salt Spring Elementary.
Last year, the literacy society’s offices moved to the Salt Spring Multi-Space (SIMS), conveniently located next to the elementary school. Formerly Salt Spring Middle School, this re-purposed space is now a community hub for non-profit groups, and recreation and public service providers, to offer their programs and services. A highlight of the new office is a warm and inviting classroom that is perfect for hosting workshops.
The workshop consisted of two parts: a presentation for parents and caregivers, followed by an opportunity to practice with their kids. A break was built into the middle of the session, with time built in for folks to go next door, pick up their children from school, and bring them back to SIMS to practice reading and to play literacy games.
One family shared: “It was fascinating to learn so many new things and to have more empathy for our kids as they are learning new things such as reading. Thank you so much, our entire family enjoyed it!”
In addition to supporting the ONE TO ONE program on Salt Spring, Keiko also coordinates the 1000×5 book recycling program, which meant there was a diverse selection of leveled books available for families to practice reading with and add to their home libraries.
It was very exciting to watch the readers choose their favourite books from such a beautiful assortment of materials.
Salt Spring Literacy looks forward to offering more workshops to families on the island in the new year. To learn more about their programming, please visit: https://saltspringliteracy.org/